Ron Antonelli

Photojournalism: R&R Airport

Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, GA, where every morning three hundred soldiers arrive from Iraq or Afghanistan for a 15-day leave, and 300 depart every night to return to war.

Troops are applauded by staff and passengers as they walk through the terminal.
   
Twenty year old Aaron Smith of Douglasville, GA is embraced by his mother Nanda Smith as his wife Niki stands by as he arrives at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Smith, who is stationed in Tikrit, Iraq, is home for 15 day leave.
   
Staff Sgt. Brian Farrow of Jefferson City, MO reads a copy of Time Magazine as he waits in the USO office at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Farrow is headed back to Iraq after 15 day leave.
     
  
Specialist Jonathon Brown of Dubuque, IO, holds a keychain with a photo of his son and a keychain of the World Trade Center. Brown, who is stationed in Afghanistan, made it home on his 15 day leave in time to see the birth of his son and says he joined the Army because of 9/11.
   
Travellers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport exchange glances with soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan as they wait to check in for their flights back after their 15 day leave.
   
Sgt. Anthony Willingham of Centre, AL kisses his new wife Theresa at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Willingham, who married Theresa while home on 15 day leave, is headed back to Iraq.
     
  
Kevin Wilson of Peoria, Ill., catches some shuteye in the USO office.